Sponsored by Sen. Jane Nelson with early backing from Gov. Rick Perry, SB11 states that “each adult applicant for financial assistance benefits, including an applicant applying solely on behalf of a child, who initially applies for those benefits or who applies for the continuation of those benefits must submit to a controlled substance use screening assessment to establish the applicant’s or the child’s eligibility for the benefits. A person whose controlled substance use screening assessment conducted under this section indicates good cause to suspect the person of controlled substance use shall submit to a drug test to establish the eligibility of the person and the person’s family for financial assistance benefits.”

Sponsored by Rep. Ellen Brandom and signed into law by Gov Jay Nixon, HB73 mandates that residents who receive welfare through Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program must be screened for illegal drug use and could lose their benefits. Welfare recipients who refuse to be checked, and those who test positive and do not complete a substance abuse program, will be ineligible for benefits through the welfare program for three years.

Sponsored by Reps. Ramsey, Harden, et al., and signed into law by Gov. Deal, HB861 creates the Social Responsibility and Accountability Act, which mandates that the Georgia Dept. of Human Services shall create an established drug test to be administered to each applicant for temporary assistance for needy families (TANF). “It is the intent of the General Assembly to (1) Ensure that TANF funds are ultimately utilized for the intended purpose of alleviating the effects of poverty and are not diverted to illicit drug use (2) Protect children of poverty by ensuring such funds strengthen family life and reduce 19 the danger that illicit drugs will be introduced into the home environment.

Sponsored by Sen. Stacey Campfield, Rep. Julia Hurley, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, et al., and signed into law by Gov. Haslam, SB2580/HB2725 requires applicants for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) benefits to undergo a drug test before receiving such benefits, based on prior suspicion of drug use. An individual who tests positive for controlled substances as a result of a drug test is ineligible to receive TANF for one year; children may receive benefits through a designated sponsor. The act shall take effect on January 1, 2013.

Sponsored by Sens. Peterson and Jennings; and Reps Miller, Davison, Jaggi, et al.; HB82 would set up a drug test to screen each individual who applies for POWER benefits for the use of controlled substances by that individual. The cost of drug testing shall be the responsibility of the department.

Sponsored by Sens. Osmond, Herrod, Rep. Brad Wilson, et al, and passed into law by Gov. Herbert, HB155 requires an applicant who otherwise qualifies for cash assistance under Utah’s Family Employment Program to complete a written drug screening questionnaire and meet other requirements in order to receive cash assistance under the program.